Berlusconi calls judges 'a cancer'

The italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, branded magistrates "a cancer of democracy" during a hearing yesterday.

"There is something incredible about this whole trial," Mr Berlusconi said, alluding to the charges he faces of bribing the British lawyer David Mills to give false evidence. He said accusations had been unfounded in 20 other cases brought against him.

The Italian premier faces two other trials for corruption and a fourth for allegedly paying for sex with an underage girl. He denies all the charges.